Catch It: The Weave Tree in Central Park

Posted on October 28, 2014 by W.D. Moore

Sunday afternoon, I strolled through Central Park. The autumn trees are full of beauty, and the bluest sky is a silk fabric of silent peace. I thought of my poem, “The Weave Tree,” which I had written some years ago. As the words wafted through my mind, the splendor of each step reminded me of why I love being a writer living in New York City.

THE WEAVE TREE

There was a big tree in Central Park.

I walked by it for years at one hundredth street.

Then a giant storm appeared, swept it away.

I remember lovers fought, friends would meet.

Shocking eyes of runners, mommy strollers stopped to see.

Thunderous rains, Indian leaf butterflies flow in the mist.

Parents pondered, how did I forget to take a picture.

Suddenly, in disbelief, the next day, sunshine arrived amidst.

Tourist asked what kind of tree for your sadness.

Squirrels search for their nest, hurly burly they go.

Red-winged black birds sing songs of grief.

Dogs are aghast they don’t see their favorite relief.

The wind blows peacefully by the once weave tree.

As if my darling friend is standing high, timeless and free.

                                                               —W.D. Moore

Catch it if you can www.centralpark.org

 

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Catch It: Greenwich Avenue

Posted on October 7, 2014 by W.D. Moore

A week ago, I sat down with my laptop in a charming café, “Ciao for Now,” for coffee with blended scents of tea on Greenwich Avenue and West 10th Street. Thirty-five minutes later, I left to meet a friend for dinner at “Rosemary’s” in the understated, casual-style neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. While we waited for our table, we sauntered up to the roof’s elegant garden, where we gazed at the flowers, the pale blue sky, and two sparrow birds flying by.

There is something of an old-world charm on Greenwich Avenue, and if you are strolling along the West Village, you may like to explore these three eateries in the quaint community of New York City.

Ciao for Now

107 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10011, www.ciaofornownyc.com

Rosemary’s

Enoteca & Trattoria

18 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011, www.rosemarysnyc.com

Café Asean

117 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10011, www.cafeasean.com

Catch it if you can at www.ciaofornownyc.com, www.rosemarysnyc.com, and www.cafeasean.com

Posted in Cafes, Enoteca & Trattoria, Greenwich Avenue, Southeast Asian Cooking, West 10th Street | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread

Posted on September 16, 2014 by W.D. Moore

Last Wednesday, I had a late lunch with my friend Sandro. It was a sunny day in Bryant Park where we chatted about: his travels in Italy, his return to Manhattan, and my food stories in New York City.

“I have discovered a new restaurant,” he said, casually.

“Where?” I asked.

“On the Upper West Side, it is called Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread.”

“That’s fantastic, I was there several weeks ago, interviewing the owner, Ms. Norma Jean Darden. What did you like about the restaurant?” I inquired, reaching for the French-Fried Potatoes on the bench.”

“The fried chicken is great. I really loved it. I also like the bright warm colored decor. It feels as though, I’m taken out of Manhattan when I step inside. The ice tea is good and so is the Harlem Brewed Beer. I was surprised at how good it was. It does have a southern feeling and the hospitality is very welcoming. I have been there twice and will probably go again.”

Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread is located at 364 Cathedral Parkway, New York, NY 10025. The restaurant is nearby the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, Columbia University and Central Park. Ms. Darden and I sat down at a table with fresh flowers in an old-fashioned bottle jar.

CI: What is the most popular cuisine at Miss Mamie’s?

ND: Well, this is southern cooking, and so, people, of course are going to get with their fried chicken or fried catfish: collard greens, candied yams, corn bread. The staples of southern food, and they are going to love the cakes, pies and cobblers.

CI: What is a quick and simple meal your customers can cook at home?

ND: They can cook anything that we serve here at Miss Mamie’s, because we have a cookbook: Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine: Recipes and Reminiscences of a Family. Most of the recipes are from the 50s and they are quite simple and quite tasty. The updated version will be reissued in ninety days.

CI: What is your traditional Thanksgiving special?

ND: We do the traditional turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh rolls, and of course, any sides’ people may want. We do plantain mash potatoes; even turnip mash potatoes, and pumpkin pies.

CI: What is your opinion about organic ingredients?

ND: I love organic ingredients, we are a farm to table restaurant, and we have a lovely farmers’ market across the street every Saturday.

CI: What are some of your delicious desserts?

ND: Coconut Cake, Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding, Apple Cobbler, Pear-Cranberry Cobbler; and sometimes, we do Blueberry Cobblers, Blueberry-Peach Cobblers, and I like our Cherry Pie—too.

CI: How do you stay in shape with the aroma of tasty food at your fingertips?

ND: I run around a lot!

CI: Thank you, Ms. Darden.

Additionally, the restaurant has a catering and event planning business. Catch it if you can at www.spoonbreadinc.com and the cookbook: Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine: Recipes and Reminiscences of a Family by Norma Jean Darden and Carole Darden.

Posted in American Comfort Food, Books, Fried Chicken, Harlem, Manhattanville, Thanksgiving Special, Wedding Cakes | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Destiny’s Rotisserie Chicken

Posted on September 4, 2014 by W.D. Moore

There is an infinite palette of restaurants in Harlem Hamlet. After a six mile walk in Central Park, I headed north to 110th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Upper Manhattan.

It was a Friday afternoon in August. By the time I reached 115th Street, I gazed at the small café of blue and green interiors; a brick wall; plenty of track lighting; an elegant modern ceiling fan; and wooden mahogany tables and chairs. I realized the café is larger than it appeared to be from the outside.

Destiny’s Rotisserie Chicken is located at 2166 FDB (8th Avenue) New York, NY 10026. I went to the juice bar, and this bijou jewel was busy. “Why is your rotisserie chicken the best in Harlem?” I asked.

“Hello,” said the affable gentleman. “I am Peter, the chef, and manager. We claim what our customers tell us.”

“What a comfortable place you have here. What other items are on your menu?” I inquired.

“Fresh delicious salads, such as: Grilled Vegetables (Garlic, Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Red Onions, and Yellow Squash); Israeli Cous Salad (Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Feta Cheese); and Quinoa Salad (Tomato Kale Onions, Carrots and Roasted Corn).” Chef Peter paused, waved to a customer, and continued, “our Rotisserie Chicken, which includes two sides and a house salad with dinner.)”

“What about breakfast?” I asked.

“Well, our customers seem to like Destiny’s Breakfast Burritos and Omelets (English, Western and Greek),” he answered.

“Thanks Peter,” I said, with my strawberry, banana, and mint juice in hand.

“You are welcome,” he said, energetically, turning to his team of young and friendly staff.

The next day, Saturday, August 16th, I visited with my friend Ana, who had guests over, and as she served each of us espresso, I asked, “What do you like about the Dominican Republic?”

Pascal said, after sipping his coffee. “The countryside, the food, the rice, and the chicken, the way they make it.”

Rachel, his cousin said, “The beaches; its adorable food… is everywhere.”

“What about breakfast?” I inquired.

“Mango,” Rachel exclaimed. “How you can grab a mango…fresh from the tree.”

And then, Ana joined in, and nodded, “Yes, I agree, but, I also like the restaurants in the city, because, the people who immigrate here, use the same ingredients.”

That evening, my friend and I went to Shakespeare in the Park. The weather was beautiful; there was a sense of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea…flowing in the air. A moment later, I thought, “After the play, we can go over to Destiny’s restaurant.”

Catch it if you can at 212.222.9054 and at http://www.seamless.com

Posted in American Comfort Food, Dominican Republic, Harlem Hamlet, Juice Bar, Restaurants, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Flat Top

Posted on August 16, 2014 by W.D. Moore

You know when you lose your house keys and find them unexpectedly, and discovered that they were there all the time. This was my experience trekking on Amsterdam Avenue, near where I live, a few weeks ago. Flat Top is a bistro, café and wine bar at 1241 Amsterdam Avenue (121st Street), New York, NY 10027. It has exquisite treasurers such as: a decorative sense of 18th-century painted bookshelves of classic books, 1950s Royal typewriter in blue, and something gorgeous in red—a country-style espresso bar. The interiors are comfortable, cozy, and embrace the warm charm on the Upper West Side, in the neighborhood of Columbia University, Morningside Heights, and Harlem.

Here are some treats on the menu: Coffee by Blue Bottle (Battenkill Valley Organic Milk), Housemade Agua Fresca of the day, Beet & Goat Cheese Salad (Arugula, Candied Walnuts, Grapefruit Supremes with Saba & Olive Oil), Fish Sandwich (Fried Pollack, Arugula, Tomato, Red Onion & Tartar Sauce on a Brioche Bun), and Flat Top Burger (8oz Beef, Beefsteak Tomato, Arugula, Red Onion & Spicy Mayo).

If you are looking for a restaurant to rest a bit with your laptop, notebook, or write your book, Flat Top is a lovely place to do so.

Catch it if you can at www.flattopnyc.com

Posted in American Comfort Food, Amsterdam Avenue, Bars, Books, Cafes, Coffee & Tea, Harlem, Manhattanville, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Catch It: FIKA

Posted on July 17, 2014 by W.D. Moore

Great happiness is a good cup of iced coffee in the summertime. This week, I came upon a new delightful cafe—FIKA.

There are many locations in New York City; however, I strode into the aesthetic-styled décor of white bright lights, white tables, and orange chairs at 114 West 41st Street, New York, NY, near Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.

As I entered, I sensed the Swedish sensibility amidst the metropolitan throngs of tourists and native New Yorkers. I spoke to the barista who was dressed in casual black. “I think I will have an iced coffee.” I said, while listening to the smooth jazz in the background.

“Is this your first FIKA?” he asked in a charming way.

“Yes,” I replied.

“It’s really nice,” he returned cheerfully. I sat at in the retro orange chair, pulled out my book: Thornton Wilder: Collected Plays & Writings on Theater. I began reading his original screenplay of Shadow of a Doubt. Later, I ordered lunch from the menu, the Uppsala (roasted zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, sundried tomato, red pepper, and artichoke spread on a spinach wrap.)

Forty-five minutes passed, and I prepared to depart from the cutting-edge café. The high note was my rich, dark and strong coffee; along with a delicious and healthy meal that was fresh and homemade.

Suddenly, I thought, “FIKA is a unique restaurant, similar to a good book that you would take your sweet time in completing because you are entranced by the experience.”

Catch it if you can at www.FIKANYC.com.

Posted in Books, Bryant Park, Cafes, Coffee & Tea, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Indie Food and Wine

Posted on May 13, 2014 by W.D. Moore

One evening, I came upon Indie Food and Wine at 144 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023. Funny how I never noticed it before, since I am often at the New York Public Library for the Performance Arts at Lincoln Center for research—still, I was fortunate to be there on May 5th.

That Monday, the League of Professional Theatre Women presented Bebe Neuwirth in conversation with Patrick Pacheco, an arts journalist, in the Bruno Walter Auditorium.

Ms. Neuwirth’s was honest, humble and humorous in describing her love for her craft as a dancer, singer, actor and founder of The Dancers’ Resource. When she said, “I saw Pippin, the Broadway musical with Ben Vereen at 13 years old; it rescued my heart, and I recognized myself,” I thought, “This is why I love New York—being in New York and its unexpected surprises.

The time flew by, it was over, I started walking, and I came upon Indie Food and Wine. I sat at the mahogany table, gazing out the wide windows facing the Julliard School, listening to Cab Calloway’s striking voice in the background while enjoying a tasty Lemon Tart and drinking a pleasurable cup of coffee.

It was a splendid day, and if you are near Lincoln Center, catch it if you can at www.indiefoodandwine.com.

Posted in Events, Film Society, Lincoln Center, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Xiˈan Famous Foods

Posted on April 24, 2014 by W.D. Moore

“How sweet this crust.” Such were the words of Henry D. Thoreau and similar words from a family of six from China, sitting on a bench in Central Park; eating burgers, noodles, and soups from Xiˈan Famous Foods on the Upper West Side of Manhattan  (2675 Broadway, NY 10025).

“What are you eating?” I asked the young lady in an emerald green jacket.

“It is a Chinese burger,” she said, “but, with pork instead of beef. It’s sweet, tender and delicious.”

The next day, April 19th, I was in the area and thought about those “Chinese burgers,” that looked so appetizing. It is a small place, however, standing-room-only. I picked up a business card and decided to come again.

If you are in the neighborhood, why not experience Xiˈan Famous Foods. They have locations in Queens (Flushing); Brooklyn (East Williamsburg); and Manhattan (Chinatown, East Village, Midtown and the Upper West Side).

Catch it if you can at www.xianfoods.com

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Catch It: Love Notes

Posted on April 17, 2014 by W.D. Moore

As the sunshine shone brilliantly on April 13th in Central Park, I strolled along the tennis courts near West 94th Street, and later to the Turkey Oak tree and the Reservoir. I found a nice spot to lay my red and white picnic blanket over the grass and eat my sandwich with Le Pain Quotidien’s whole-wheat bread, Santa Cruz Peanut Butter and Sarabeth’s Mix Berry (Spreadable Fruit).

The next moment, I reached for my book, Love Notes: 101 Lessons from the Heart by Jim Brickman and Cindy Pearlman. It is a love story. And I truly was in love with the pale blue sky, the golden sun, a yummy meal, while reading a good book—a gift from a dear friend.

Happy Passover and Easter!

 

Catch it if you can at www.hayhouse.com

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Catch It: Sticky’s Finger Joint

Posted on April 9, 2014 by W.D. Moore

There I was several weeks ago, dashing to a meeting at Cooper Union on Cooper Square, and as usual, I observed something new— Sticky’s Finger Joint.

Hot is what you get at Sticky’s Finger Joint located in the West Village of Manhattan (31 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011). It is a gourmet Chicken Finger restaurant, with 30 unique Fingers for a hearty and happy appetite.

I entered the restaurant, picked-up a menu, and glanced at three young professionals sitting at the window table. They were eating an array of their Sticky’s favorites. “Everything looks delicious, do you come here often?” I asked the lady with dark auburn hair.

“I come here all the time and I have brought my friends with me. I love hot, spicy, and tasty food; that’s why I eat here often,” she replied.

Her friends nodded with their mate, and she added, “They love it too.”

“That’s great,” I said, as I pulled out my cozy purple hat, crocheted white gloves, and charged my old-fashioned boots to Cooper Square.

Catch it if you can at www.stickysfingerjoint.com

Posted in American Comfort Food, Barbecue, Greenwich Village, Restaurants, West Village | Tagged , , | Leave a comment